Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)- Hon. Bakery K. Badjie, Member of Parliament for Foni Bintang Karanai, has firmly rejected the Judicial Officers’ Conditions of Service Bill, 2025, during its second reading in the National Assembly.

Badjie described the bill as a rebranded version of the previously rejected Judiciary Enumeration Bill. He argued that while salaries across the civil service are inadequate, it is unfair to single out the judiciary for special treatment.

“My stance remains the same. I am not a chameleon. I do not change with the passage of time, and no amount of words can confuse us regarding Judiciary Officers and their Conditions of Service,” Badjie said.

He emphasized that the Assembly cannot be used to increase salaries unconstitutionally or illegitimately, adding that he would vote against the bill, even if he is the only MP to do so.

Badjie also highlighted the economic hardships affecting all Gambians due to inflation and rising prices, questioning why the judiciary should be prioritized over other civil servants.

The bill, which seeks to formalize salaries, allowances, pensions, and other benefits for judicial officers, is now moving to the committee stage for further scrutiny.